The Northern Kentucky Basketball program has one of the crucial widespread mascots within the NCAA. Their mascot is named Victor E. Viking. He was labeled as probably the most scary mascot in 2016. College students filed a petition demanding a makeover for Victor to make him look much less intimidating.
The college made modifications, giving Victor a smiling face as an alternative of the indignant one he had earlier than. Nonetheless, that look wasn’t accepted both, forcing this system to mix the outdated and new look, returning to Victor’s outdated indignant face and the brand new look physique.
Victor E. Viking stays one of the crucial widespread NCAA mascots thus far. He’s a fan favourite amongst NKU followers and has been distinctive in his job over time.
•
Northern Kentucky Basketball’s March Insanity journey ends in Spherical 1 following loss to top-seed Houston
The Northern Kentucky Norse misplaced 63-52 in opposition to the No. 1-seeded Houston Cougars in Spherical 1 of the NCAA 2023 match on Thursday. The Sixteenth-seeded Norse put up a valiant combat and trailed by solely three factors in opposition to the No. 1 seed Cougars.
NKU additionally tied the rating at 36-36 with 16 minutes left earlier than Houston created some separation and marched onto a 11-point win. Houston coach Kevin Sampson praised NKU college students, saying (by way of CBS Sports activities):
“I do not coach Northern Kentucky, however I used to be happy with their staff tonight. They fought. Their youngsters are powerful. They’re sensible.”
NKU’s struggles got here on offense. They shot 19 of 69 from the ground, together with 5-of-33 from 3-point vary. Sam Vinson was their finest participant on the evening as he scored a team-high 15 factors and grabbed eight rebounds, capturing 7 of 15.
In the meantime, the Cougars have been extremely environment friendly as they made 25-of-51 pictures. Jarace Walker stabled the ship after All-American guard Marcus Sasser aggravated a groin harm and missed the whole second half. Walker scored 16 factors and 6 rebounds, capturing 6 of 8. He additionally had two blocks. In the meantime, J’Wan Roberts had 11 factors and 12 rebounds on 4-of-6 capturing.
Northern Kentucky coach Darrin Horn mirrored on his staff’s displaying, claiming that it wasn’t a “stretch” to say that his staff performed the top-seeded Houston Cougars in a number of elements.
“I’m unbelievably happy with our staff, the combat that we confirmed,” mentioned Horn (by way of CBS Sports activities). “I don’t suppose it’s a stretch to say we outplayed Houston tonight. We simply didn’t make sufficient pictures.”
The Cougars will play No. 9-seeded Auburn of their subsequent spherical on Saturday. The most important storyline for the staff might be centered round their injured star Marcus Sasser and his availability shifting ahead.
Click on right here to learn the coaches’ interviews following the Norse vs. Cougars sport.